Edinburgh’s much-anticipated £112.5 million new eye hospital is in limbo as the Scottish Government delays its funding decision until spring. Despite assuring “clarity” by the Scottish Budget, Finance Secretary Shona Robison omitted any mention of the capital spending review or the eye hospital during her recent Holyrood speech.
The capital spending review, a crucial component of the £112.5 million project aiming to replace the outdated Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, was initially set to conclude before the December 19 budget. However, it appears the review is entangled in the intricacies of the Scottish Government’s budgeting process.
In response to inquiries, a Scottish Government spokesperson highlighted the challenging capital funding position, attributing it to UK government cuts. The spokesperson stated, “Our emphasis for the immediate future will be on addressing backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement.” Furthermore, the government plans to present a revised Infrastructure Investment Plan in the spring, along with the medium-term financial strategy, in the hope of providing a clearer fiscal outlook.
The delay has sparked concerns, with a Tory MSP expressing worry about the project’s future. The MSP remarked, “It’s a real sign of how this government has not been taking this project forward.” Emphasizing the need for swift approval in the new year, the MSP underlined the importance of cross-party support for the project.
A Labour MSP criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing them of “kicking the can down the road.” Expressing disappointment that the Finance Secretary made no mention of the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion in the Scottish Government Budget, the MSP highlighted cross-party support for the new facility. Stressing that delays could result in higher costs and continued use of inadequate facilities, the MSP called for decisive action.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans condemned the decision, stating that it has let down vulnerable patients. He highlighted the critical need for a new hospital to address the growing number of people in Scotland with visual impairment, projected to exceed 200,000 by 2030. Emphasizing the missed opportunity to advance eye healthcare and develop new treatments, the Chief Executive condemned the decision.
The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, declared unfit for purpose a decade ago, continues to operate, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of patients and staff. The funding decision delay is viewed as a setback for individuals with sight conditions in Scotland, with potential repercussions including more cancellations, prolonged delays, and increased risks for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The Scottish Government’s decision to prioritize backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement over the new eye hospital has triggered disappointment and frustration among campaigners, charities, and patients who have long advocated for a modern and fit-for-purpose facility. As the uncertainty looms, there is a collective call for decisive action in the new year to ensure the long-awaited Edinburgh Eye Hospital becomes a reality.
